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A SKETCH 

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BARBARA FRITCHIE 




INCLUDING POINTS o/ INTEREST 
IN FREDERICK, MARYLAND 



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By MISS ELEANOR D. ABBOTT 
Great Grandniece of Whittier's Heroine 



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SIGNATURE OF HEROINE AT AGE AF 92 YEARS 



A Sketch 

o/ 

Barbara Fritchie 

Whittier's Heroine 



Including Points of Intere^ 
in Frederick, Maryland 




By MISS ELEANOR D. ABBOTT 



(Copyright 1921 by Miss Eleanor D. Abbott) 



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BARBARA FRITCHIE 

By JOHN G. WHITTIER 

D 

T'p from the meadows rich with corn, 
Clear in the cool Septemher morn, 

The clustered spires of Frederick stand 
Green-walled hy the hills of Maryland. 

Rmiiid ahout them orchards sweep, 
Apple and peach-tree fruited deep, 

Fair as a garden of the Lord 

To the eyes of the famished rehel horde, 

On that pleasant morn of the early Fall 
When Lee marched over the mountain-wall. 

Over the mountains winding down, 
Horse and foot, into Frederick town. 

Forty flags with their silver stars, 
Forty flags with their crimson bars. 

Flapped in the morning wind : the sun 
Of noon looked down, and saw not one. 

Up rose old Barbara Fritchie then. 
Bowed with her fourscore years and ten ; 

Bravest of all in Frederick town. 

She took up the flag the men hauled down ; 

In her attic-window the staff she set. 
To show that one heart was loyal yet. 

Up the street came the rebel tread, 
Stonewall Jackson riding ahead. 

Under his slouched hat left and right 
He glanced ; the old flag met his sight. 

"Halt !" — the dust-brown ranks stood fast, 
"Fire!" — out blazed the rifle-blast. 

It shivered the window, pain and sash ; 
It rent the banner with seam and gash. 

Quick, as it fell, from the broken staff 
Dame Barbara snatched the silken scarf; 



She leaned far out on the window-sill, 
And shook it forth with a royal will. 

"Shoot, if you must, this old gray head. 
But spare your country's flag," she said. 

A shade of sadness, a blush of shame. 
Over the face of the leader came ; 

The nobler nature within him stirred 
To life at that woman's deed and word ; 

"Who touches a hair of yon gray head 
Dies like a dog ! March on !" he said. 

All day long through Frederick street 
Sounded the tread of marcliing feet ; 

All day long that free flag tost 
Over the heads of the rebel host. 

Ever its torn folds rose and fell 

On the loyal winds that loved it well ; 

And through the hill-gaps sunset light 
Shone over it with a warm good-night. 

Barbara Fritchie's work is o'er, 

And the Rebel rides on his raids no more. 

Honor to her ! and let a tear 

Fall, for her sake, on Stonewall's bier. 

Over Barbara Fritchie's grave 
Flag of Freedom and Union, wave ! 

Peace and order and beauty draw 
Round thy symbol of light and law ; 

And ever the stars above look down 
On thy stars below in Frederick town ! 




Sketch o/ Whittier's Heroine 
Barbara Fritchie 

|EAUTIFUL for situation" is Frederick, Maryland, 
with its clustered spires, greenwalled by the sur- 
rounding hills. "The meadows rich with corn," the 
orchards of "apple and peach trees fruited deep," the 
well cultivated farms present a picture "fair as a garden of 
the Lord" to the eyes of the thousands of tourists attracted to 
Barbara Fritchie 's town. Frederick-town was laid out in 1745 
by Patrick Dulaney, after whom one of the principal streets 
was named. 

Patrick street is a continuation of the old National Pike, 
connecting Baltimore with Frederick, and extending west through 
Cumberland, Ohio, and Indiana, into Illinois. The first house 
was built on East Patrick street by John Thomas Schley, and 
the first white child born in Frederick was Mary Schley. The 
past history of Frederick is intensely interesting, but it is not 
the purpose of this sketch to relate what has already been 
published. Mr. Whittier has made it almost world renowned 
in his beautiful poem, and has immortalized Barbara Fritchie, 
for her name and fame have gone beyond our own continent to 
the lands across the seas. An American gentleman, traveling in 
foreign lands some years ago, met a little girl named Barbara. 
He said to her, "Your name reminds me of a noted American 
woman." She replied, "Do you mean Barbara Fritchie?" and 
to his great pleasure and surprise recited the entire poem. 

Dr. Bernard C. Steiner, in an address delivered in Fred- 
erick on May 30, 1918, said: "When I was in the desolate, fas- 
cinating, hospitable island of Newfoundland nine years ago I 
found that the people knew of five American cities— New York, 
Boston, Gloucester, Baltimore and Frederick. They had learned 
of the last city because the poem 'Barbara Fritchie' was known 
and loved by all the school children." Critics have tried in vain 
to convince the public that Mr. Whittier 's story is pure fiction. 
Barbara IFritchie was not a myth ; neither was she a literary 
character alone. She was a real, one-hundred-per-cent. American 
woman, notwithstanding the fact that her parents, John Niclaus 

page seven 



and Catherine Zeiler Hauer, were born in Germany. Leaving 
Germany May 11, 1754, they came to this country, arriving in 
Pennsylvania in October, 1754. Barbara Hauer, their third 
daughter, Avas born in Lancaster, Penna., December 3, 1766, and 
was baptized by Rev. "William Hendel, pastor of the Reformed 
church, December 14, 1766. AVhen Barbara was less than two 
years of age her parents removed to Frederick, ]\Iaryland. Just 
previous to her birth the Stamp act had been repealed, the Court 
of Frederick County being the first to protest officially against 
it, in 1765. 

The Declaration of Independence from British rule was 
adopted ten years after her birth. Recalling the stirring events 
of that period one can readily account for the traits of character 
so pronounced in Barbara's later life. She grew up amid cir- 
cumstances which developed stability, patriotism, and loyalty. 
"When Barbara was twenty-five years of age an event of im- 
portance occurred in the toAvn. A group of young ladies was 
assembled one afternoon in 1791 at Kimball's Tavern (the site 
is now occupied by the New City Hotel), the occasion l)eing a 
quilting party. A messenger brought the news that President 
George Washington was coming to spend the night at the 
Tavern. What a thrill of excitement it caused ! The quilt was 
quickly folded. The best linen and china were brought forth, 
but there was nothing quite suitable from which to pour the 
coffee, so Barbara Hauer hastened to her home opposite the 
hotel (where the residence of Miss Agnes Schley is now located) 
and returned with her beautiful old Liverpool china coffee-pot. 
This coffee-pot has been well preserved, and is now, with other 
curios, in the cabinet at the home of Mrs. Julia M. Abbott, 
great-niece of Mrs. Fritchie. 

As Miss Barbara poured the coft'ee for the h uiored guest 
he evidently was impressed with her appearance and manner, 
for after supper he called his servant and directed that his 
traveling bag be brought. Opening it he drew forth a china 
l)Owl, which he presented to Barbara. She prized it very highly. 
Before her death she gave the bowl to her nephew, Nicholas D. 
Hauer, who later gave it to his niece, Mrs. Harriet Byerly Sweet, 
now residing in Baltimore. 

At the time of Washington's death a sham funeral was 

page eight 



held in Frederick as a memorial service. Barbara Hauer was one 
of the young women who acted as pallbearers. In 1780, when 
Barbara was fourteen years old, she went with her mother to a 
quilting party. As usual on such occasions the news of the town 
was the topic of conversation. 

Among other items of interest was the announcement of 
the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Casper Fritchie. Twenty-six 
^ years later, on May 6, 1806, Barbara Hauer became the wife of 
John Casper Fritchie, whose birth she had heard announced. 
Although the senior of her husband by so many years, they were 
very congenial. Their home was on West Patrick street, on the 
east bank of Carroll Creek, and was an exceptionally happy one. 




RELICS OF BARBARA FRITCHIE 



Mr. Fritchie was a man of upright character, held in high 
esteem. He conducted a glove manufactory, and, although not 

page ten 



wealthy, his business made them a eo:nfortal)le living. iMrs. 
Fritehie was a woman of decided opinions. Keeping herself" 
well informed by reading, she could converse intelligently on 
almost any subject. As a wife she was thoroughly domestic. 
By her kindly manner and genial disposition she made their 
home a very attractive place. Their servants wore treated with 
great kindness. " Fritehie 's Harry" and "Aunt Nellie" were 
devoted to "Ole Massa" and "Ole Missus." 

Mr. and Mrs. Fritehie had no children, but adopted Mrs. 
Fritehie 's niece, Catherine Stover, who remained with them 
until 1825, when she married Henry Hanshew, Mr. Fritehie 's 
assistant, and later partner, in the business, and moved to her 
own home a short distance west of the Fritchies. ]\Irs. Han- 
shew 's cousin, Miss Harriet Yoner, then became Mrs. Fritehie 's 
companion. On November 10, 1849, after a brief illness, Mr. 
Fritehie "fell asleep," and was laid to rest in the Reformed 
church graveyard. Mrs. Fritehie made no change, preferring 
to live in her own home. She spent a great deal of time among 
her flowers, which she was fond of cultivating. As she increased 
in years she retained her faculties to an unusual degree. She 
enjoyed the companionship of young people, and participated 
with much pleasure in their conversation. Her great-nieces and 
great-nephews, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hanshew, were 
her frequent visitors. They, and their young companions, were 
seldom disappointed in their anticipation of a "treat." On 
"special occasions" she made them small cakes cut in various 
forms — fish, birds, men, women, etc. The tiny tin cutters, about 
one inch in length, are now in the possession of her great-great- 
nephew, Lee Hanshew. 

[S BARBARA HAUER'S life began in the exciting 
period of our country's struggle for freedom from 
British rule, there grew into her soul an intense 
loyalty and patriotism. She was at all times deeply 
interested in national affairs, and, although in her ninety-fifth 
year when the shadow of the great conflict became a l)loody 
reality, her mind was clear, and she believed in the Union with 
her whole heart. With great conviction she would say, "The 

page eleven 




Union of the Sta.tes will be maintained. God takes care of His 
people, and he will take care of this country." She never 
allowed anyone to speak in a disparaging way of her country. 
From one of her dormer window^s her bunting flag was fre- 
quently seen floating gracefully. Because of its geographical 
location, Frederick was destined to figure conspicuously in the 
movements of the commanding generals of both armies. Senti- 
ment was naturally divided, there being strong feeling both for 
and against the Union. It was a trying time, but the real bitter- 
ness of the war came toward the close of the summer of 1862. 
The Confederate forces had crossed the Potomac, and entered 
Maryland from Virginia, on September 5th. The main body 
encamped at Frederick Junction, three miles south of Frederick, 
but a large portion of the army marched through the city on 
September 6th, and went into camp at Worman's Mill, a couple 
miles to the north. The next morning (Sunday) while his 
troops lay resting, General Jackson took advantage of the oppor- 
tunity to attend divine worship at the Evangelical Reformed 
Church. The pastor. Rev. Daniel Zacharias, unaware of the 
presence of the distinguished officer, gave out the hymn, "The 
Stoutest Rebel Must Resign," but the "rebel" heard it not, for 
weariness had caused him to sleep peacefully through the hymn 
and part of the sermon. Early on the morning of the 10th the 
arm.v, obeying orders, broke camp, and began to move west- 
ward, going out West Patrick street, passing the home of Mrs. 
P^arbara Fritchie. 

It was at this time that the incident occurred which led 
to the writing of the poem by John G. Whittier. Miss Harriet 
Yoner, coming from the rear of the house, found Mrs. Fritchie 
quite nervous and excited, but she would make no explanation, 
except : ' ' They tried to take my flag, but a man would not let 
them, and he was a g-entleman. " Several times during the 
occupancy of the town by the Confederates she had subjected 
herself to danger, causing her relatives much anxiety. "Riehl's 
Spring," on the west bank of Carroll Creek, was frequented by 
the soldiers, some of whom came to her house asking for a glass 
in which to get a drink of the cool, clear water. To the Union 
iiien she cordially gave the glass, but to the Confederates she 
would reply, ' 'There is an iron dipper at the spring ; you can 

page twelve 



use that." One day a relative was taking her to the home of 
her niece, Mrs. Hanshew. A group of Confederate sohlier.^ 
were resting on her front porch, and as she came out of her 
doorway she shook her cane at them, saying, "Begone you dirty 
pack!" Her companion hastily apologized, hut said afterward 
that she walked in fear and trembling, lest a bullet should be 
fired after them. 

Fortunately they were gentlemen, and showed no resent- 
ment. Naturally her relatives reprimanded her, trying to im- 
press upon her the risk she incurred. Therefore, when she had 
again exposed herself to danger, she was reticent. It was not 
until a month or two later that she told what had really oc- 
curred, to Mr. Fritchie's niece, Miss Caroline Ebert, who had 
called to see her. She said to Miss Ebert that she was afraid 
to tell Kittie (Mrs. Hanshew) and the others, because she knew 
they would scold her. Barbara's account of the incident fol- 
lows: Hearing the troops were approaching, she took her silk 
flag from between the leaves of the family Bible, and stepped 
out on her front porch, thinking they were Union soldiers. Im- 
mediately an officer rode up, saying, "Granny, give me your 
flag." "You can't have it," she said, and then noticed the grey 
uniforms, but she continued waving. He spoke to the men, and 
they turned, facing her. She thought they meant to fire on her, 
but, instead, he rode on a short distance to the Mill Alley, re- 
turning in a moment with another officer and some men. This 
officer said to her, "Give me your flag. Granny, and I'll stick it 
in my horse's head." "No, you can't have it," she said. One 
of the men called out, "Shoot her damned head off." 

The officer turned angrily upon him, saying, "If you harm 
a hair of her head I'll shoot you down like a dog." Then, turn- 
ing to the trembling old lady, he said, "Go on. Granny, wave 
your flag as much as you please." It was not until a number 
of years later that the family learned the truth of the flag- 
waving incident. Miss Ebert had married Mr. Edward Wine- 
brener, and rarely met the Hanshew family, but, hearing that 
the relatives of Mrs. Fritchie were still ignorant of the facts, 
she related the above account to Mrs. J. H. Abbott, and also 
made affidavit before a notary public. 

It has been affirmed by some that the Confederate Army 

page thirteen 



did not pass the home of Barbara Fritchie, and, therefore, the 
flag-waving incident was impossible. This statement is false, 
because there are still living many persons who know, because 
they were eye-witnesses, that the entire Confederate Army, with 
the exception of Jackson and his staff, did pass the home of 
Mrs. Fritchie. General Jackson was an intimate friend of Rev. 
and Mrs. Ross, the Presbyterian pastor and his wife. Desiring 
to leave a message of farewell, he made a short detour to the 
parsonage on West Second street. Riding down Bentz street, 
or "Mill Alley," as it was then called, he rejoined his army on 
West Patrick street, just sixty-three yards west of Mrs. Fritchie 's 
house, according to a measurement made by Mr. Henry M. 
Nixdorflf. 

]\Ir. James L. Parsons, a prominent contractor of Wash- 
ington, D. C, confirms the flag-waving incident in a letter written 
to the Baltimore Sun, dated November 12, 1918. Mr. Parsons 
states he was a member of "Stonewall" Jackson's Third Bri- 
gade (also known as Tolliver's Brigade), and marched by Bar- 
bara Fritchie 's home on the day the aged heroine waved her flag 
to the Confederates, and that all through the lines the troops 
were talking about the episode. 

Further evidence of the fact that Barbara Fritchie waved 
her flag as the Confederates were passing is found in the Con- 
gressional Library, Washington, D. C, in the columns of the 
"Atlanta Constitution" bearing date of April 7, 1910, and also 
in the Confederate Veterans ' Magazine, two acknowledged South- 
em authorities, and is given by the Confederate captain, Frank 
Myers, who says : ' ' There is more poetry than truth in Whit- 
tier's song. As we passed by she (Mrs. Fritchie) came out on 
the porch and waved her flag at us. Not one of us tried to bother 
her, and it was not necessary for 'Stonewall' Jackson to say a 
word." 

Closely following the Confederates came IMcClellan's 
army, the advance being in command of General Burnside. A 
hearty welcome was given them. The loyal citizens came forth, 
flags were unfurled once more, and the town wore a different 
aspect. None were more joyous than dame Barbara, who, with 
her silk flag in hand, stood at her parlor window. She at- 
tracted much attention, many of the soldiers, both officers and 

page jif teen 



privates, coming from the ranks to speak to her, asking her 
name and age, and the privilege of shaking hands with her. 
Gen. Jesse L. Reno went into her home to converse with her. 
She treated him to a glass of her home-made wine, and presented 
him with a bunting flag which he carried with him to the battle 
of South Mountain the next day, in which battle he was killed. 
The flag was sent with his body to his home in Massachusetts. 
It was later placed in the museum of the Loyal Legion, in Boston. 
Barbara Fritchie lived to celebrate her ninety-sixth 
birthday on December 3d, 1 §§2, but an attack of pneumonia 
proved fatal, and on December 18th the aged patriot "crossed 
the bar." 

"No stately dame of high degree, 

Nor social idol e'en was she; 

But in the line of life she trod 

'Twas said of her, 'She walked with God.' " 

Her body was placed beside her husband's in the church 
graveyard, and small, j)lain stones — her own selection — marked 
their burial place. 




EANWHILE Miss Ebert had related to a cousin, Mr. 
Ramsburg, of Georgetown, D. C, the story as told 
her by Mrs. Fritchie. Through Mv. Ramsburg it was 
published in a Washington paper. He also told it to 
his neighbor, Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth, by whom it was sent 
to Mr. Whittier. Mr. Whittier's nephew and biographer (S. T. 
Pickard) gives the following information in Volume II, Life and 
Letters of John G. Whittier : 

"The story which suggested to Mr. Whittier his ballad 
'Barbara Fritchie' came to him from Mrs. E. D. E. N. South- 
worth, of Georgetown, D. C, who wrote him the following note : 
'I send this little note out merely in quest of you. If it should 
find you, please let me know your exact address, as I have a mes- 
sage to deliver you.' As soon as she received the address she 
sent the following narrative, and the ballad founded upon it was 
written within a fortnight after its receipt in Amesbury : " 'When 
Lee's army occupied Frederick the only Union flag displayed in 
the city was held by Mrs. Barbara Fritchie, a widow lady of 

page sixteen 



ninety-six years.' Such was the paragraph that went the rounds 
of the Washington papers last September. Some time after- 
ward, from friends who were in Frederick at the time, I heard 
the whole story. It was the story of a woman's heroism, which, 
when heard, seemed as much to belong to you as a book picked 
up with your autograph on the fly-leaf. So here it is.' She then 
gave an account of the entrance of Lee's army into Frederick 
and their cool reception, quoting the official record, 'the town 
wore a church yard aspect.' Continuing: 'But Mrs. Barbara 
Fritchie, taking one of the Union flags, went up to the top of her 
house, opened a garret window, and held it forth. The rebel 
army marched up the street, saw the flag; the order was given, 
'Halt! Fire!' and a volley was discharged at the window from 
which it was displayed. The flag staff was partly broken, so 
that the flag drooped ; the old lady drew it in, broke off the 
fragment, and, taking the stump with the flag still attached to 
it in her hand, stretched herself as far out of the window as she 
could, held the Stars and Stripes at arm's length, waving over 
the rebels, and cried out in a voice of indignation and sorrow: 
'Fire at this old head, then boys; it is not more venerable than 
your flag.' They fired no more, but passed on in silence, and 
she secured the flag in its place, where it remained unmolested 
during the whole of the rebel occupation of the city. 'Stone- 
wall' would not permit her to be troubled.' " 

Mr. Pickard, continuing his narrative, says: "This is 
the story as Mr. Whittier had it when he wrote the ballad. Of 
the substantial accuracy of the narrative many convincing proofs 
came to him from time to time in the midst of the animated 
and prolonged controversy the ballad elicited. The poem was 
sent to Mr. Fields for the 'Atlantic' The following reply indi- 
cates the welcome it received: " 'Barbara' is most welcome, and 
I will find room for it in the October number most certainly. A 
proof will be sent to you in a few days. You were right in think- 
ing I should like it, for so I do, as I like few things in this 
world. Inclosed is a check for fifty dollars ($50)), but Bar- 
bara's weight should be in gold." To one of many friends who 
asked him if 'Barbara' was a myth, he answered in a letter dated 
October 19, 1890: "I had a portrait of the good Lady Barbara 
from the saintly hand of Dorothea Dix, and a cane from Bar- 
page eighteen 



bara's cottage sent me by Dr. Steiner, of the Maryland Senate. 
"Whether she did all that my poem ascribed to her, or not, she 
was a brave, true woman. I followed the account given me in 
a private letter, and in the papers of the time." 

To an article published in the "Century", denying that 
the poem had any foundation in fact, Mr. Whittier replied : 
" 'Barbara Fritchie' was written in good faith. The story was 
no invention of mine. It came to me from sources which T re- 
garded as entirely reliable. I had no reason to doubt its accur- 
acy then, and I am still constrained to believe that it had 
foundation in fact. If I thought otherwise I should not hesitate 
to express it. I have no pride of authorship to interfere with 
my allegiance to truth." Mr. Pickard states that the poem was 
published in most of the northern papers. In a letter written 
to Mrs. J. H. Abbott, Mr. Whittier said: "There has been a 
good deal of dispute about my little poem, but if there was 
any mistake in the details, there was none in my estimate of her 
noble character, and her loyalty and patriotism." 




FTER Mrs. Fritchie 's death her niece, Mrs. Hanshew, 
inherited her property and personal effects, among 
which was the cherished silk flag. In course of time 
the poem attracted many visitors to Frederick, who 
usually found their way to Mrs. Hanshew 's to gaze upon and 
touch the historic flag. Mrs. Hanshew lived to the ripe, old age 
of ninety years. 

Several years before her death she discontinued house- 
keeping, dividing her property among her children. To her 
daughter Julia (Mrs. John H. Abbott) she gave the priceless 
silk flag, the Liverpool china coffee pot, and other pieces of 
valuable china ware. Also solid silver tablespoons, soup ladles, 
etc. Mrs. Abbott, wishing to preserve the flag, had it framed. 
In a cabinet are the curios, among which is the old-fashioned 
"tuck comb" worn by Mrs. Fritchie and placed in her hair 
when her body was prepared for burial. It remained in the 
grave fifty-one years, until her re-interment from the church 
graveyard to Mount Olivet Cemetery, in 1913. 

page nirnteep. 



Many visitors call at the home of Mrs. Abbott, 413 South 
Market street. Since May 30, 1900, a register has been kept. 
Tt contains the names of nearly four thousand persons. They 
have come from all parts of the United States, from foreign coun- 
tries, and the isles of the sea to view the flag, and visit the 
grave of Freder'ck's patriotic old dame. An especially interest- 
ing incident is worth relating in this connection. One day a 
lady called, asking the privilege of seeing the curios. She told 
Mrs. Abbott that, while her visit to Frederick afforded her 
pleasure, there were also sad memories, as her father had died 
in one of the Frederick hospitals during the Civil War. Just 
before his death he received a message informing him that "the 
stork" had brought a baby girl to his home in Philadelphia. He 
immediately sent a request to his wife, asking that the baby be 
gi\ en the name of a young nurse who had ministered so kindly 
to him. Mrs. Abbott eagerly inquired the name of the nurse. 
fr)r she had been informed during the war that a soldier's little 
daughter had been named for her, and she was delighted when 
the stranger replied, "The name of the nurse was Julia Han- 
shew." When the visitor was told that she was in the presence 
of her father's nurse her surprise and joy were very great. 

In 1912 the officials of Mount Olivet Cemetery Company 
asked permission to remove the remains of Mr. and Mrs. Fritchie 
to Mount Olivet. The request was granted. 

Frederick's progressive daily paper, "The News," in- 
augurated a movement to form an organization for the purpose 
of stimulating the interest of the people of Maryland and the 
United States in patriotism, and in the heroic valor of Barbara 
Fritchie, and to erect in her memory a suitable monument in 
Frederick city, where she lived during the greater part of her 
life. A public subscription list was started by "The News." 
In September, 1912, the Barbara Fritchie Memorial Association 
was organized with one hundred and sixty-two charter mem- 
bers. The incorporators were John H. Abbott, Hon. E. S. Eichel- 
berger. Miss May Hagan, Mrs. Clara V. Mott, and Leo Weinberg. 
The officers of the Association were: President, Miss Ella V. 
Eichelberger; vice-presidents. Misses Eleanor D. Abbott and 
Janie Quynn ; corresponding secretary, Miss May Hagan ; record- 
ing secretary, Mrs. Clara V. Mott; treasurer, Mrs. W. 0. Glaze. 

page twenty 



The officers and the following persons constituted a Board of 
Managers : Mrs. J. H. Apple, Mrs. J. D. Baker, Mrs. D. C. Brish, 
Mrs. Grayson Bowers, Mrs. S. G. Dnvall, Miss Grace Ely, ]\Irs. 
Daniel Hanshew, Mrs. Everest Harding, Mrs. John B. Harding, 
Mrs. Jennie Schley Miller. Mrs. George S. Rodock, Miss Agnes 
Schley, Miss Florence Trail, J. J. Bielfeld. Sterling Gait, David 
Lowenstein, E. I. Swope, Hon. M. G. Urner, Dr. William Merrill 
and P. E. Newman. There were no membership dues, the con- 
tributions being entirely voluntary. All contributors were en- 
titled to membership. Some of the most prominent people in 
the United States sent contributions unsolicited. Many interest- 
ing letters were received. The Association aimed to raise fifteen 
hundred dollars. The fund increased so rapidly that, when the 
monument was unveiled on September 9, 1914, more than the 
desired amount was in the treasury. A portion of the surplus 
was invested in a Liberty Bond of the second issue. The Associa- 
tion had the honor of being the first patriotic organization to 
subscribe. 

The re-interment of the remains of Barbara Fritchie and 
her husband, John C. Fritchie, took place on May 30, 1913, in the 
lot given by Mount Olivet Cemetery Company, to be known as 
the "Fritchie Triangle." The ceremonies were conducted by 
Rev. H. L. G. KiefPer, pastor of the Evangelical Reformed 
Church, of which Mrs. Fritchie had been a member. The officers 
of the consistory acted as pallbearers. The G. 0. P. veterans. 
Company A., M. N. G., high school cadets, members of the Bar- 
bara Fritchie Memorial Association and other patriotic organi- 
zations, and relatives of Mrs. Fritchie formed the procession. 

Dr. Bernard C. Steiner, Librarian of Pratt Library. Balti- 
more, a former Fredericktonian, delivered the memorial address. 
Miss Medora Mantz, of York, Pa., a descendant of Barbara 
Fritchie, recited the poem, after which flowers and a large flag 
were placed on the grave by Claire and Virginia Mott, Margaret 
and Grayson Hoffman, Julia Abbott and Virginia Frazier, junior 
members of the Memorial Association. The contract for the 
monument was awarded to U. A. Lough & Son, Frederick. It is 
of Maryland Guilford granite, massive but simple and graceful. 
The base is 6 feet 6 inches square and 1 foot 6 inches high. The 
sub-base is 4 feet 6 inches square and 1 foot 4 inches high. The 

page twenty-one 




MONUMENT IN MT. OUIVET CEMETERY 



shaft is 10 feet 2 inches high, its base 3 feet 4 inches square, 
tapering to about 3 feet square at the top. On the face of the 
sub-base of the monument is cut in raised, rounded letters 5 
inches high the name ** Barbara Fritchie." Upon the face of the 
shaft a bronze ta])let containing the entire poem "Barbara 
Fritchie," by John G. Whittier, is surmounted by a bronze medal- 
lion of striking design, portraying the face of Barbara Fritchie. 
This medallion was designed by Mr. James Kelley, a prominent 
sculptor of New York City, and cast by the Gorham company of 
the same city. On the back of the sub-l)ase is a smaller bronze 
tablet containing the words: "Erected by the Barbara Fritchie 
Memorial Association of Frederick, Md., 1914." The original 
stones which marked the graves in the church cemetery are 
used as foot-stones. 

The unveiling of the monument took place on September 9, 
1914, in connection with the Star-Spangled Banner Centennial 
and Home-Coming Celebration, observed in Frederick September 
9-14. Preceding the exercises a procession formed and marched 
to the Fritchie Triangle in Mount Olivet Cemetery. A very 
large crowd witnessed the ceremonies, many coming from a dis- 
tance for the occasion, among them members of the Frederick 
County Colony from Baltimore, the Legion of Loyal Women of 
Washington, D. C, a national director of the Federation of 
Women's Clubs, and a representative of Old Glory Post, G. A. R.. 
of Chicago, who brought a wreath from the post to place on the 
grave of Mrs. Fritchie. Hon. M. G. Urner, of the Frederick bar. 
was master of ceremonies. The address was delivered by Hon. 
Alfred S. Roe, of Massachusetts. Miss Mary Eleanor Shafer, 
A. M., of Middletown, recited "Barbara Fritchie." Mrs. John 
H. Abbott (nee Julia Hanshew), greatniece of Barbara Fritchie, 
unveiled the monument as the flag was unfurled, and the large 
assemblage sang the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Ban- 
ner," accompanied by the Braddock Heights Band under the 
direction of Prof. Irving S. Biser. 

Following the ceremonies an informal reception was held 
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Abbott. Refreshments were 
served, the Liverpool china coffee pot and other china owned 
and used by Mrs. Fritchie being used on this occasion. 

page twenty-three 



"Over Barbara Fritchie's grave 
* The flag of freedom and union waves." 

Beautiful wool bunting flags have been presented by the 
Whittier Club, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, through its presi- 
dent, Judge Ira A. Abbott. Also Major Howe Post, G. A. R., 
and Col. A. L. Tappan, of Haverhill. 

"Barbara Fritchie's work is o'er." "Honor to her," to 
the flag and country she loved, and to the Quaker poet who im- 
mortalized her! Visitors to the "Fritchie Triangle" are im- 
pressed with the beautiful location. Looking up at "Old Glory" 
as its folds rise and fall "on the loyal winds that love it well," 
and gazing across the meadows to the greenWalled hills beyond, 
We exclaim with the poet i 

"Peace and order and beauty draw 
Round thy symbol of light and law. 
And ever the stars above look down 
On thy stars below in Fredericktown." 



N CONNECTION with this sketch of Whittier 's hero- 
ine mention should be made of another distinguished 
character — Francis Scott Key, the author of our 

national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," who 

was born August 9, 1780, in what Was at that time Frederick 
County, but is now a part of Carroll County. His remains also 
rest in Mount Olivet, where a handsome monument has been 
erected to his memory, 

"He gave us the song of the banner. 
He gave us the hymn of its might; ^ 

He lit it with melody's splendor. 
He made it an anthem of right. 
And it grows with the growth of the nation. 
It lives, and it shines, and is true 
To the gospel of faith and of freedom — 
Our flag of the Red, White and Blue ! " 

Frederick is also justly proud to have been the home of 
the birth and boyhood of him who, by his prompt action on July 

page twenty-four 







3d, 1898, during the wat with Spain, achieved a victory for 
America, at Santiago, which made him a hero for all time — Ad* 
toiral Wintield Scott Schley. 

The first Governor of Maryland — Thomas Johnson, resided 
On a farm a short distance north of Frederick. His remains rest 
in Mount Olivet Cemetery. 

Among the many objects of interest in Frederick is the old 
stone barracks built in 1777, and used during the Revolution as 
a prison for captured Hessiali soldiers, and during the Civil War 
as a United States General Hospital. This building stands in the 
rear of the Maryland School for the Deaf, on South Market 
street. This institution has for more than fifty years given in- 
struction in speech and lip reading, and recently in rhythm work, 
in addition to the regular public school curriculum, to deaf-mute 
children, and those who can speak, but are too deaf to benefit by 
instruction in other schools. 

The public and high schools of Frederick are worthy of 
mention. Hood College and the Academy of the Visitation are 
widely known. 

Frederick is developing industrially, due in great measure 
to its Chamber of Commerce. Its fine banking institutions evi- 
dence prosperity. Its philanthropic spirit is manifested in a well 
equipped hospital which affords to suffering humanity relief 
and restoration to health. The Home for the Aged provides com- 
fortably for its family, and two church homes care for orphan 
children. 

While the spirit of progress has destroyed some landmarks 
of the town (among which were Barbara Fritchie's home and 
Washington's headquarters), there is still standing the old stone 
tavern at the head of West Patrick street, in Which great states- 
men (Andrew Jackson, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Winfield 
Scott) met to discuss the affairs of the young nation. On North 
Bentz street stands the old stone mill, built in 1790. This mill 
is being successfully operated at the present time. 

A short distance north of the mill is a splendid modem 
building — the First Regiment Armory. Not far distant stands 
the Frederick County Court House, in vs^hich hangs a bronze 
tablet containing the names of the twelve "immortal judges** 
who repudiated the "Stamp act." Nearby is another interesting 

page twenty- five 



building — the home of the News-Ppst, Frederick's progressive 
daily papers. 

The handsome church buildings testify that the religious 
life of the community is not neglected. There are in Frederick 
ten Protestant churches, several missions, a Roman Catholic 
church, representatives of the Salvation Army and a Young 
Men's Christian Association. Trinity Reformed Chapel, on West 
Church street, is especially interesting because of its century 
old tower and spire, in which a chime of ten bells, known as 
"Trinity Chimes," was installed in 1893. The chimer is H. Lee 
Hanshew, great-great-nephew of Barbara Fritchie. "What say 
the bells?" asks the poet, who tells us: 

"Bells are the voice of the church; 
They have tones that touch and search 
The hearts of young and old; 
One sound to all, yet each 
Lends a meaning to their speech, 
And the meaning is manifold." 

To the readers of this sketch the bells say — 

"Then bring our country's starry banner. 
And drape it o'er the Saviour's cross; 
For with these emblems close united. 
We fear no danger, harm, or loss. 
Beneath this glorious flag, whose beauty 
Thrills all our hearts with fervent love, 
With gratitude and true devotion 
We praise our King who reigns above. 
Then bring our country's starry banner, 
And loyal till your latest breath, 
Unite unto the loving emblem 
The symbol of the Saviour's death. 
'Till in the freedom He has given 
Beneath the flag that waves so free, 
A Christian nation stands proclaiming 
The highest type of liberty." 



page twenty-six 




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